In our previous article on diabetes (part one), we provided our readers with an overview of this dangerous and increasingly common disease, including its main types, risk factors, and symptoms. We also provided some general tips, including the need for exercise, on how to manage diabetes. In this second article (part two) on diabetes, we will look more closely at current research findings on holistic nutritional approaches and supplements that have been shown to help prevent, manage, and possibly even reverse diabetes.

FOODS FOR DIABETES:

Let us begin by looking at the best foods for avoiding and perhaps reducing diabetes.

WHOLE GRAINS AND CEREALS:

With their high fiber content and rich antioxidant content, whole grains are an excellent food choice for diabetics. On balance, because they are less processed, they have a lower glycemic index (GI) than refined grains. This means that they are digested more slowly than their refined counterparts so they don’t raise blood sugar as quickly or as dramatically- a very important consideration for diabetes and also for cancer prevention. Their high fiber content also helps to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar.

Studies have revealed that the “wrong” carbohydrate foods i.e. those with a high GI and low nutritional content due to over-processing, contribute to insulin resistance syndrome, which is at the core of type II diabetes, and which occurs when the body stops responding to this critical hormone. According to a Harvard University study of almost 43,000 men, the risk of diabetes can be reduced by up to 42 percent simply by replacing white bread, white rice, and highly processed sugary breakfast cereals with whole grain loaves, brown rice, wholemeal pasta, and porridge (Readers Digest, 2009).

Some of the most nutritious grains and “pseudocereals” that are listed in the online magazine Diabetes Forecast as being especially beneficial for diabetics are described below:

Amaranth: a pseudocereal and major crop of the ancient Aztecs that has recently begun to be viewed as an alternative to cereal grains such as wheat and oats. Amaranth has been described as the “most nutritious grain in the world” (Navdanya) and is one of the best sources of carbohydrates, protein, minerals, essential micronutrients, and fiber. The seeds are particularly rich in the amino acid, lysine and are gluten-free.

Buckwheat: Also a pseudocereal, buckwheat contains all of the essential amino acids, vitamin E, and almost the entire spectrum of B complex vitamins. Buckwheat flour (consumed in the form of pancakes and noodles) can help to reduce diabetes, obesity, hypertension hyper-cholesterolemia and constipation.

Other important grains for diabetics include:

Millet: a staple in much of the world which is high in protein and gluten free.

Quinoa: like amaranth, this pseudocereal is an ancient staple that was used by the Incas. It is a complete protein containing all nine of the essential amino acids and is gluten free.

Bulgur: a type of cracked wheat kernel, this is a Middle Eastern favorite. It is high in fiber and protein.

Teff: a staple grain in Ethiopia, the flour is used to create a traditional flatbread. It is very high in protein and is a rich source of iron and calcium. It is also a gluten-free grain.

Pearled barley and oatmeal: both of these grains are considered to be super foods for diabetics. They are rich in fiber and loaded with nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, chromium, omega-3 fatty acids and folate.

BEANS:

Like whole grains, beans have a low GI and are packed with nutrients, making them an important nutritional support for diabetics. Examples include kidney beans pinto beans, navy beans, and black beans, all of which are highly nutritious. Just half a cup of beans provides one third of our daily fiber requirements.

Beans are also are good sources of magnesium and potassium, important nutrients for diabetics. Although they are considered starchy vegetables, a half cup provides as much protein as an ounce of meat without the saturated fat. Canned varieties can be used but they should be rinsed first to remove excess sodium.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:

Carotenoids such as beta-carotene – the nutrients found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables – along with the antioxidant vitamins E and C appear to be particularly important for diabetics.

In a Finnish study of more than 4300 non-diabetic women and men, who were tracked over a period of 23 years, those who ate foods highest in vitamin E such as leafy greens, seeds and nuts, had a 31 percent lower risk of developing type II diabetes. Those whose diets were rich in a type of carotenoid found in citrus fruits, red capsicum, pawpaw, coriander, corn, and watermelon cut their risk by 42 percent (Readers Digest, 2009).

Though vitamin C does not appear to cut the risk of diabetes on its own, it appears to boost the power of vitamin E thereby making it an important anti-diabetes aid.

Research also suggests that people with diabetes have more free radicals than people who don’t suffer from this disease. It is thought that free radicals may have a role both in causing diabetes and exacerbating its long-term effects: hence the importance of anti-oxidants, which are found in high proportions in a number of fruits and vegetables.

A super food that could be highly beneficial for preventing and treating diabetes is sea buckthorn since the berries are an excellent source of vitamin E; have a high Vitamin C content; and are very rich in some of rarest and most powerful antioxidants in the world. Moreover, scientists have identified 39 out of the 50 carotenoids present in our diet in sea buckthorn berries, resulting in a powerful and effective anti-oxidant network. Sea buckthorn is in fact one of the richest sources of one of these carotenoids – beta-carotene, making it especially important for diabetes sufferers.

If you would like to purchase sea buckthorn, our recommended source is described on our page: Sea Buckthorn: A True Super Food for Health and Beauty..

PEANUT BUTTER AND NUTS

A nurses’ health study of more than 80,000 women with no history of diabetes revealed that those who ate nuts five times a week lowered their risk of type II diabetes by 30 percent compared to women who never ate nuts. Eating peanut butter five times a week cut the risk by 20 percent (Readers Digest, 2009). Obviously for those who are allergic to peanuts and other nuts, this is not a good option!

Australian research also indicates that nuts are a good food choice for diabetics and for reducing cardiovascular risk. They could even help to control blood glucose levels due to their rich content of healthy monounsaturated fats, which may reduce insulin resistance. When consuming peanut butter, it is important to ensure that it is unprocessed natural peanut butter and to avoid commercial brands containing added fats.

OILS:

Olive oil: A number of studies have shown that olive oil lowers blood sugar as well as heart disease risk. A Spanish study of 772 people at high risk for heart disease showed that people whose diets were high in olive oil or nuts had significantly lower blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol than those on a low-fat diet (Readers Digest, 2009). Olive oil contains valuable nutrients for diabetics such as beta-carotene, vitamin E and other anti-oxidants.

Other oils that are reported to be especially valuable for diabetics include pure virgin coconut oil (this helps to actually regulate blood sugar and is considered to be one of the best oils for diabetics); flaxseed oil, canola oil, peanut oil, almond oil, avocado oil, safflower oil, and grapeseed oil. Of course, it is important that these oils are unrefined, organic, non-GMO etc. to obtain their full benefits.

While many of these oils can be purchased at supermarkets or health food stores, some such as avocado oil and pure virgin cold pressed coconut oil may be less accessible. Our recommended source of high quality vegetable oils that are extracted through expeller or cold pressed methods without the use of solvents, hexane, or alcohol can be accessed through the following link:

http://applesanddoctors.com/Recommends/MountainRoseOils

VINEGAR AND LEMON JUICE:

Studies at the University of Sidney have shown that the addition of a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice (e.g. in salad dressing) to a meal, could reduce the glycemic index of meal by up to 30 percent (Readers Digest, 2009). It is thought that the acidity results in a slower release of glucose into the bloodstream.

SPICES:

Cayenne: Capsaicin is the active ingredient found in many pain-control prescriptions and over- the-counter creams, ointments and patches. Over time, it short-circuits pain by depleting nerve cells of a chemical known as “substance P” which helps transfer pain signals along nerve endings to the brain. It is used for treating arthritis and muscle pain as well as shingles pain and diabetes-related nerve pain. At least one study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that diabetes sufferers who ate a meal containing plenty of chili required less post-meal insulin to reduce their blood sugar. This indicates that the spice may be beneficial in controlling blood glucose.

Cinnamon: Studies have found that cinnamon lowers blood sugar, cholesterol (including bad cholesterol or LDL) and tri-glycerides (heart-threatening fats in the blood stream) and boosts the efficiency of insulin. All of these factors are important in treating diabetes and heart disease. One study showed that eating ¼ to 1 ¼ teaspoons a day for 40 days resulted in a reduction of blood glucose levels by 18 to 29 percent (Readers Digest, 2009). You can read more about the many benefits of cinnamon in our post, Cinnamon: A Powerful Healer Among Spices.

Turmeric: Preliminary research at the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Medical Center has demonstrated promising results of turmeric’s benefits for diabetic obese mice. Scientists at the Center found that curcumin, which is the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant component of turmeric reduces insulin resistance and inhibits Type II diabetes in mice by alleviating the inflammatory response induced by obesity. Though more research is needed with human subjects, the conclusion for now is that turmeric, and specifically curcumin, can reverse many of the inflammatory and metabolic problems associated with obesity and improve blood sugar control in mice with type II diabetes. You can read more about the many health benefits of turmeric and about a very powerful curcumin supplement in our article: Rooting for Health: The Healing and Protective Powers of Turmeric.

Please Note: You learn more about a unique doctor-formulated thirty day program for treating diabetes through an easy-to-follow and remarkably effective diet and lifestyle program that is guaranteed to reverse type 2 diabetes and to significantly lower insulin dependence in type 1 diabetes at our page:

Natural, Safe, and Effective Aids for Diabetes (Types I and II).

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR DIABETES:

VITAMINS:

Vitamins C, E, and Zinc: Anti-oxidants such as vitamins C and E and the mineral zinc help to counter free radical damage and thus reduce the risk of complications from diabetes such as heart disease and nerve damage.

Magnesium: Magnesium appears to help cells to use insulin. Deficiencies in this element are common in diabetics and may play a part in promoting diabetic eye problems. Several studies have found that magnesium supplementation in doses of 300 to 600 mg daily for three months significantly lowered blood sugar levels, reduced blood pressure, and increased “good’ HDL cholesterol. This nutrient also lowers the risk of infection; an important consideration for diabetics who are more prone to infections than those who do not suffer from this disease.

Calcium and Vitamin D: A twenty-year study in the US of almost 84,000 nurses – none of whom were diabetics at the start of the study – found that women who daily consume 1200 mg. of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D had a 33 percent lower risk of developing type II diabetes than women who consumed much lower amounts (Readers Digest, 2009).

To obtain high quality vitamin and mineral supplements, we would recommend you visit our product page, A Complete Online Store for Herbal and Health Supplements for information on a leading supplier of top branded supplements.

Specifically with regard to magnesium supplementation, we would highly recommend Natural Calm. This water soluble magnesium product is immediately assimilated into the body even in cases where digestion is highly impaired, and is one of the most effective products available for correcting magnesium deficiency.

Systemic/Fibrinolytic Enzymes: There is a growing body of evidence that treatment of diabetes with fibrinolytic enzymes yields promising results. Dr. Wong, a leading proponent of enzyme therapy explains that the anti-inflammatory effects of highly fibrinolytic, scar tissue-eating systemic enzymes can lead to a decrease in pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis in the Islets of Langerhans and their insulin-producing Beta Cells. These effects also lead to a decrease in diabetic peripheral neuropathy and associated peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and a reduction in insulin dependence.

Dr. Wong describes two case histories of heavily insulin-dependent patients suffering from severe type I diabetes, both of whom showed marked improved after undergoing enzyme therapy. Both patients had undergone amputations due to PVD and their circulation was extremely poor. The second patient also had neurological pain in his lower extremities, reduced urine flow due to scar tissue in his kidneys, and a grey/white pallor due to poor circulation. Both patients were saved from further amputations as their circulation improved and the second patient experienced normalization of urine flow and is no longer insulin-dependent. In fact, he is off all medication and is no longer considered diabetic at all! Dr. Wong also refers to type II diabetes patients who have experienced improved energy levels and stabilizing of blood sugar levels when treated with enzymes.

To learn more about the powerful anti-inflammatory and other therapeutic effects of systemic enzymes, please visit our page Serra Enzyme: A Miracle Healer and Pain (and Inflammation) Reliever.

HERBS FOR DIABETES:

And finally in the last section of this article, we would like to focus on selected herbal remedies that have been researched and found to be effective as anti-diabetes aids.

Gymnema Sylvestre: This plant which is native to the Indian tropical forests has long been used as a treatment for diabetes and is widely recommended for improving blood sugar control. Its effectiveness in both type I and type II diabetes has been confirmed by recent scientific investigation and there is some evidence that it may even revitalize or regenerate beta cells in the pancreas.

Momordica Charantia (Bitter Melon): This tropical and sub-tropical vine is widely grown for edible fruit, a bitter vegetable popular in India, and in the Philippines, bitter melon tea is used for blood sugar control. Several preliminary (non-randomized, non-blinded) clinical studies have suggested therapeutic benefits of bitter melon for diabetics. In both animals and humans, Momordica and polypeptide P have been shown to increase glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue and improve glucose tolerance.

Banaba (Corosolic acid): A plant native to India, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia, Banaba’s traditional uses include a tea brewed from its leaves as a treatment for elevated blood sugar levels and diabetes. Corosolic acid, a compound contained in Banaba leaf extract, is involved in stimulating the transport of glucose into cells and has been shown to safely lower blood glucose levels.

Clinical studies of patients with type II diabetes who have taken Banaba extract for a period of 4 to 8 weeks have demonstrated a 5 to 30 percent reduction in blood sugar levels and tighter control of blood sugar fluctuations. In one study, subjects who took the supplement for a period of 22 weeks demonstrated a 30 percent drop in blood sugar and an average weight loss of 3.2 pounds per month without any dietary changes.

Pterocarpus Marsupium (Indian Kino): Long used as a treatment for diabetes in India, this tree contains a flavonoid that has been shown to help regenerate beta cells in the pancreas. In an Indian study of the effects of this herb on 97 individuals with blood sugar problems, it was found to control blood sugar levels in 67 percent of these patients.

In addition to lowering blood glucose, Pterocarpus also demonstrates cell protective properties, which have been confirmed in numerous trials with results of almost complete restoration of normal insulin secretion.

Please Note: All of these herbal extracts, along with several other nutrients that have been shown to help with diabetes, can be found synergistically combined with potent enzymes, key minerals, and specialty supplements in an excellent natural aid for diabetes. You can read more about it at our page:

Natural, Safe, and Effective Aids for Diabetes (Types I and II)

References:

Diabetes Forecast. April 2009. 10 Diabetes Superfoods. (http://forecast.diabetes.org/magazine/only-online/10-diabetes-superfoods).

Navdanya. 2006. Bhoole Bisre Anaj – Forgotten Foods. New Delhi, India: Navdanya/RFSTE.

Neithercott, Tracey. March 2010. Get to Know 6 Great Grains. In Diabetes Forecast: The Healthy Living Magazine. (http://forecast.diabetes.org/magazine/food-thought/get-know-6-great-grains.

Reader’s Digest. 2009. Food Cures: Breakthrough Nutritional Prescriptions for Everything from Colds to Cancer. Ultimo, NSW, Australia: Reader’s Digest (Australia) Pty Limited.

Wong, William. n.d. Treating Diabetes with Enzymes: What We Know Now. (http://www.totalityofbeing.com/FramelessPages/Articles/TreatingDiabetes.htm)

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is only intended to educate and inform our readers. It is in no way intended to provide medical advice or to diagnose or treat any disease. If you have a health problem, you should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any substances for medicinal purposes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Apples and Doctors is affiliated with Mountain Rose Herbs and Herbal Remedies.

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People see only what they are prepared to see. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

We don’t see things as they are ~ we see things as we are. (Anais Nin)

Introduction

This article emphasizes some of the underlying factors that may lead to deteriorating vision and suggests steps that we can take to alleviate or improve poor vision. Weak eyesight is not irrevocable. Like any other part of the body, the eyes are capable of healing themselves.

Seeing, like breathing, is something we do without much conscious thought.  But many of us don’t do it the right way. In the case of breathing, some people stop breathing abdominally and use the chest instead, which is the wrong method.

Likewise with eyesight. Some of us stop seeing effortlessly and start straining to see instead.  There are many factors which can interfere with our naturally relaxed way of seeing, leading to a downhill slide. Too much reading and close up work are amongst the most common causes of myopia, and school years can often initiate the myopic process.

Another important factor is stress and emotional turmoil, which can cause mental strain and consequently visual strain as the two are interrelated.

One of the pioneers who revolutionized our understanding of the causes of poor eyesight and how to correct it was Dr. William H. Bates (1860-1931). He challenged the premise that glasses were the only means of dealing with (as opposed to curing) bad vision. Bates attributed all vision problems to eye strain as a primary causal factor and suggested that methods of relaxing the eyes were fundamental to improving eyesight. He developed a series of techniques which incorporated visualization, exposing eyes to sunlight, ‘palming’ to relax the eyes, and certain eye, neck, and shoulder movements.

There are, however, different schools of thought about the efficacy of his methods, particularly his main physiological proposition that the eyeball changes shape to maintain focus. Optometry professor Elwin Marg postulated in 1952 that the Bates method owed its popularity to ‘flashes of clear vision’ experienced by many who followed it.

However, these techniques have undoubtedly worked for many people who have followed them and achieved remarkable results. A notable example is Harry Benjamin who describes how he combined the Bates method with a naturopathic approach to diet in his classic book “Better Sight Without Glasses.” As a result, he was able to reduce his extreme and rapidly progressing myopia (-20 sph. in his right eye and -20.5 sph. in his left eye) to such a degree that he was able to read, write, and function without glasses within a year.

In more recent times, Orlin Sorensen has developed his own system of vision training to strengthen and relax the eyes and focus their muscles. His own childhood dream to become a US Naval fighter pilot had been impeded by weak eyesight and eventually motivated him to do research on eye exercises. As a result, he worked his way back to 20/20 vision in a few weeks. And like Bates, he endorses the theory that glasses and contact lenses actually worsen vision in the long run because they act as a crutch for the eyes, further weakening the eye muscles.

Certain principles of maintaining good vision ring true for us though they may not necessarily do so for other people. We propose here to present a broad overview of some of the underlying causes of bad vision and corrective measures for these conditions, based on our own research and experiences. We don’t make any claims about the efficacy of any one method or school of thought as opposed to another. The objective of this article is to give people food for thought so that they can draw their own inferences and conclusions.

Attributes Of Vision and Corrective Measures We Can Take

Fluctuating Vision:

Many people report that there are times when their vision is better or worse than usual. Some see more clearly in the morning after a restful sleep with their eyesight gradually getting worse during the day, particularly at work. Others see better outdoors with natural sunlight than they do indoors with artificial lights.

Stress is certainly a contributory factor: many have reported that their vision deteriorates dramatically and becomes blurry under stressful conditions but that the blurriness dissipates once the cause of the stress is alleviated or taken away.

We would certainly agree that the above factors have an important bearing on our vision. Stress reduction improves our sight as does seeing in natural light or when we rest our eyes after working for lengthy periods at our computers. For eyes to relax, they need to be constantly moving and blinking and not staring. They are designed to be on the move all the time. Staring causes the muscles around the eyes to tense up and also reduces the rate of blinking significantly, leading to dry eyes and an increased risk of infection.

Breathing:

The eyes and brain use more oxygen than any other part of the body and therefore a deficiency of oxygen significantly affects our ability to think and see clearly. Therefore, our breathing pattern affects our vision and a return to clear vision requires a return to natural breathing habits.

Central Fixation:

Dr. Bates stressed the importance of ‘central fixation’ in his writings. In essence this is an awareness of seeing best in the centre of our field while at the same time remaining aware of our peripheral vision which by contrast is more blurry. The eyes are designed to see this way as opposed to trying to see the whole picture clearly at one time, which causes strain. When we are aware of greatest clarity in the centre and combine it with relaxed, easy movement of the eyes, then we are seeing at optimal capacity.

The Full Spectrum of Light and Sunlight:

Sunlight is perhaps the most important nutrient for our eyes. Research done by John Ott and Dr. Laurence Martel (President of the National Academy of Integrative Learning) amongst others has shown that the full spectrum of light is necessary for plants, animals, and humans to be healthy and it may influence our state of mind as studies of school children have suggested.

In one study done in a North Carolina school where full spectrum lighting was introduced, children were absent less throughout the year. In another study carried out in a Californian school, children in classrooms with more natural lighting demonstrated faster progression in both math and reading tests.

Natural sunlight taken in through our eyes and skin helps us stay healthy. We can get natural sunlight into our eyes by simply being outdoors without glasses or contacts, and there is no need to look directly into the sun at all. Sunning is done safely with closed eyelids.

Diet:

A healthy diet and lifestyle also play a vital role in maintaining good vision. The skin and eyes need to be well hydrated and nourished to function properly. Eating fresh and organic food helps as does cutting processed foods down to a minimum.

Foodstuffs and beverages that are not conducive to good health, and therefore by inference to good vision, include caffeine (coffee, soft drinks, regular tea); sugar in whatever form as it is an artificial sweetener (fruits provide natural sugars); alcohol which destroys many vital nutrients; artificial colors, flavorings and preservatives; white and refined flour; MSG; table salt; hydrogenated oils; and fried foods.

Dr.  Edward Kondrot, author of ‘Healing the Eye the Natural Way’ summed it up nicely when he said that food is not only the best medicine, it is the only medicine.

Reduced levels of antioxidants in the eyes are believed to have a detrimental effect on eyesight. Research has shown that the antioxidants found in leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens can help prevent cataracts by protecting the eyes from the damaging effects of ultraviolet sunlight. The body makes some of its own antioxidants including glutathione, super oxide dismutase, and coenzyme Q10. However, nutrients such as selenium, riboflavin, zinc and cysteine are needed to help the body produce these antioxidants.

We have been using an excellent herbal eye tonic which is rich in antioxidants, supports visual health and maintains healthy circulation to the eyes while promoting overall systemic and immune system health. You can click on the following link to Get More Info on Vizu-All Plus for Eye Problems (Cataracts, Macular Degeneration and Visual Problems Associated with Diabetes)

Other trace nutrients and minerals that are known to contribute to healthy eye functioning are given in the list below:

• Amino Acids (N-acetyl-cysteine and Taurine),
• Alpha Lipoic Acid
• Beta Carotene
• Bioflavonoids
• Calcium
• Choline
• Chromium
• Copper
• Enzymes
• Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), especially Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
• Glucosamine Sulfate
• Inositol
• Iodine
• Lutein
• Lycopene
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Molybdenum
• Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Taurine
• Vanadium and
• Zeaxanthin,

Vitamins that are good for the eyes include A, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-9, B-12, C, D, E, and K.

Psychological Reasons for Bad Eyesight:

Dr. W.B. MacCracken, author of ‘Use Your Own Eyes’, points out that in a large number of cases, the reasons for bad vision have more to do with psychology than anything else. He cites numerous examples of people developing bad eyesight or other conditions due to stress or a sudden trauma or shock and suggests that such conditions may arise in an instant and may also change or disappear spontaneously.

Describing his own experience, he states that he had good vision till he was twenty years old and then suddenly developed a long record of peculiar and variable astigmatism. He attributes this to a trauma suffered during a swimming race when he had to be rescued after his strength gave out. After the race he found himself blind for about an hour and thereafter his vision returned but was no longer clear. He was diagnosed with astigmatism and his eyesight was quite variable. It became necessary for him to wear glasses constantly for the next thirty-seven years before he restored his vision using the Bates techniques.

Another prominent advocate of a direct correlation between disease or ill health and the mind is Louise Hayes. She compiled a reference guide detailing the mental causes of physical illness and affirmations for creating health, which was the basis of her best-selling book ‘Heal Your Body’.  This landmark book introduced her concepts to people worldwide and was translated into 25 languages. Another of her seminal works, ‘You Can Heal Your Life’, was published in 1984. It remained on the New York Times bestseller list for 13 consecutive weeks and more than 35 million copies of the book have been sold.

Some of the eye conditions she listed with their root underlying causes and affirmations for healing these conditions include the following:

Astigmatism: Fear of “seeing” the self
Astigmatism Correction Affirmation: I am now willing to see my own beauty and magnificence.

Cataracts: Inability to see ahead with joy
Cataract Correction Affirmation: Life is eternal and filled with joy

Children’s Eye Problems: Not wanting to see what’s going on in the family
Affirmation: Harmony and joy and beauty and safety now surround the child.

Farsight: Fear of the present
Farsight Correction Affirmation: I am safe in the here and now. I see that clearly

Nearsight/Myopia: Fear of the future.
Myopia Correction Affirmation: I accept life and am always safe

Conclusion:

There are, of course, many eye conditions that have not been touched upon in this article and the root causes may be entirely different to those that have been covered here. For example, vision can be affected by a medical condition like diabetes and eye exercises may not be effective in alleviating the problem in this case.

What we have done is touch upon some of the most common causes of defective vision and emphasized the psychological factors that have a systemic effect on our vision. We introduced Bates, a pioneer in evolving a school of thought on some of the major causes of bad vision and how they could be corrected.

We also touched upon, and advocated the Sorensen rebuild your vision program. This is a holistic approach for correcting defective eyesight using a combination of scientifically tested optical exercises while also addressing the underlying causes of vision problems. More information on Sorensen’s vision rebuilding program can be found at: http://applesanddoctors.com/vision-improvement).

Key Reference Sources:

• Visions Of Joy – http://www.visionsofjoy.org/
• Use Your Own Eyes – W.B. MacCracken, M.D.
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bates_method
• http://products.mercola.com/light-bulbs/
• http://www.naturaleyecare.com/prev-anti.asp
• http://www.louisehay.com
• http://www.squidoo.com/spiritualmeaning

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is only intended to educate and inform our readers. It is in no way intended to provide medical advice or to diagnose or treat any disease. If you have a health problem, you should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any substances for medicinal purposes.

Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.  ~Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote, 1605

Oral hygiene is a subject encompassing a wide range of topics and medical conditions. For the purpose of this article we therefore propose to focus on the causes of poor dental health and unpleasant breath, provide tips to improve the condition of your mouth and teeth, and discuss some natural products and treatments that are available.

WHAT YOUR TEETH AND GUMS SAY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

Some experts feel that there is an association between periodontal diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms of disease may manifest in the teeth and mouth and the condition of the mouth can indicate this. Here is a list of some health problems that can sometimes show up in the teeth or gums.

Tooth Decay:

Poor diet is a primary factor in tooth decay. Many people rely heavily on refined, synthetic or highly-processed foods because they afford convenience and speed in rustling up quick meals. Dr. Weston Price and his wife studied communities in Switzerland, the Hebrides and Alaskan Indian tribes and wrote a book called ‘Nutrition and Physical Degeneration’.  The communities that they studied only had access to natural foods and they had 93-94 percent less tooth decay than people who eat processed or refined foods.

Some of the foods that help with maintaining a good diet include fresh fruits and vegetables, especially crunchy foods. Thy aid in enzyme production and the natural chewing of the crunchy foods stimulates the gums. Apples, pears, celery and carrots are good suggestions. Drinking plenty of water will keep your mouth moist and avoid dry mouth syndrome, which is a precursor of dental disease. Popular sports drinks may also not be a good idea. They may re-hydrate the body, but can cause irreversible damage to the dental enamel.

Other reasons for tooth decay include abscessed or impacted teeth and oral piercing. Jewelry in the mouth can damage the soft tissue around the teeth causing the gums to recede, and the constant clicking of the jewelry against natural and/or restored teeth can cause the enamel or veneers to crack or chip.

In dry mouth syndrome or ‘xerostomia’, a lack of saliva makes it more difficult to neutralize damaging acids. Gingivitis and periodontitis are gum conditions which can lead to the loosening and subsequent loss of teeth.

Poor dental hygiene (a lack of flossing, brushing, and regular dental check-ups), however, is the biggest single factor responsible for tooth decomposition.

Eroded Tooth Enamel: Eating Disorders

Bulimia, a common eating disorder, can lead to the erosion of tooth enamel. The primary cause of this is the corrosive effect of stomach acids which can come into contact with the teeth during vomiting. Severe erosion can lead to changes in the way you bite, or in the way upper and lower teeth come together. Back teeth can be reduced in size and some teeth can even be lost eventually. Tooth erosion can take about three years to become obvious, but not all bulimics experience this.

Thrush: HIV, Diabetes

Oral thrush and other candida infections can manifest when the immune system is weakened. People with immune-related disorders, including HIV, are consequently susceptible to thrush. This condition can also be caused by drugs like prednisone or other antibiotics, which interfere with the natural balance of microorganisms in your body. Oral thrush can cause painful lesions and dry mouth syndrome which can increase the risk of tooth decay and make chewing, eating, swallowing, or talking difficult. Diabetes is another disease which can encourage the growth of candida due to the saliva containing large amounts of sugar.

Losing Teeth: Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition affecting all bones in the body, including the jaw bone. Consequently, this can cause tooth loss. The alveolar bone, which surrounds the roots of the teeth is susceptible to osteoporosis and can erode quickly when calcium is depleted from the body.

Pale Gums: Anemia

Your mouth may be sore and pale if you’re anemic, and your tongue can become swollen and smooth. When you have anemia, your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, or your red blood cells don’t contain enough hemoglobin. As a result, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen.

Gum Disease: Rheumatoid Arthritis

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are much more likely to have gum ailments than people without this autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues. To make matters worse, people with RA can experience difficulty in brushing and flossing because of damage to finger joints. The good news is that treating existing gum inflammation and infection can also reduce joint pain and inflammation.

Tooth Loss: Kidney Disease

Adults without teeth may be more likely to have chronic kidney disease than those who still have teeth. Exactly how kidney disease and periodontal disease are linked is not entirely clear yet, although researchers think that chronic inflammation may be the connecting factor.

Pancreatic Cancer

Scientists have also discovered a link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer in men. Dr. Dominque Michaud, from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, conducted research on the connection between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer. He discovered that men with a history of periodontal disease had a 64 per cent increased risk of pancreatic cancer than men with no such history. People with periodontal disease have an increased level of inflammatory markers such as C reactive protein (CRP) in their blood. These markers are part of an early immune system response to persistent inflammation and have been linked to the development of pancreatic cancer. It is the high levels of carcinogenic compounds present in the mouths of people with periodontal disease that increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.

WHY DO TEETH BECOME DISCOLORED?

Teeth can become discolored for many reasons. Some of the primary contributory factors include coffee, tea, and tobacco. Other conditions or habits that can lead to tooth discoloration include alcoholism (drinking immoderate quantities of red wine for example stain the teeth); cancers such as esophageal, pharyngeal, oral tumors, leukemia, pulmonary and stomach cancer and certain medications used in the treatment of these cancers; and drug abuse (dentists have described the teeth of some methamphetamine users as rotting, black, stained and literally falling apart).

TOOTHPASTES AND FLUORIDE

Your choice of toothpaste is vital. Most of the commercially available toothpastes do more harm than good. An ingredient commonly used in many commercially available toothpastes is fluoride. It is now acknowledged by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) that fluoride is NOT an essential ingredient in toothpastes. As pointed out by Michael Connett, when interviewed by Tomas O’Caomhanach, we do not need fluoride in our diet to keep our teeth healthy. (www.thebadbreathreport.com).

Connett, who is the Project Director of the Fluoride Action Network, also mentioned in the interview that the incidence of dental fluorosis has increased dramatically over the last 50 years due to an increase in fluoride exposure from multiple sources (water, processed food/beverages, toothpastes, pesticides etc). Dental fluorosis is a mineralization disorder of the tooth enamel caused by excessive ingestion of fluoride during the tooth-forming years. This enamel damage can be seen in the form of white spots in mild cases to brown or black staining in moderate or severe cases.

More alarmingly, Connett went on to say that fluoride can actually damage the brain, a fact corroborated by over 30 animal studies since 1992 while 5 studies on fluoride-exposed humans in China have reported a correlation between fluoride and reduced IQ. A similar observation was made by the Greater Boston Physicians For Social Responsibility who reviewed this research and went on to say that though no final conclusions may be reached from the available data, the findings are “provocative and of significant public health concern.” There are other horrifying side effects pointed out in the interview, including DNA damage, bone cancer, and male infertility. This is because fluoride is a mutagen meaning that it can cause mutation or change in the genetic material of living cells. Since many mutagens are also carcinogens (compounds that cause cancer), the National Toxicology Program (NTP) went on to postulate that there is a ‘biological plausibility’ for a fluoride-osteosarcoma (bone cancer) connection.

NATURAL PRODUCTS FOR ORAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE

There are many natural products which play a contribution to improving dental health. They include the following:

Home Treatments for Toothache

A well-known remedy is to apply ground cloves or pure food grade clove oil on the affected tooth or teeth. Echinacea, which is widely used to relieve cold and flu symptoms, is also efficacious for relieving toothaches, either in tincture form or as fresh roots. Other remedies for toothache include tea tree essential oil, calendula, and myrrh. If a filling comes out, a paste of slippery elm and water can be applied to the surface till an appointment with a dentist can be made.

Neem

Neem is very well known in India for its properties in maintaining and enhancing mouth hygiene. It is very effective for destroying cavity-producing bacteria and preventing tartar and plaque buildup. Neem is also known for its efficacy in treating pyorrhea. Neem twigs have been chewed by people in India for centuries as a way of maintaining total mouth hygiene. Neem-based toothpastes are also commonly found in good health stores.

Micro-organisms found in inflamed gums are often resistant to antibiotics but not to antibacterial plant extracts like Neem. And unlike synthetic antibiotics, antibacterial plant extracts produce no allergy in the gingival that could inhibit their effectiveness.

Besides, neem, clove, and babul (described below), there are several vital herbs and natural oils that work wonders for tooth and gum health. A mixture of eucalyptus, clove, and spearmint is extremely potent in eliminating harmful bacterial build-up in the mouth and is a very good cleansing agent.

Babul

The medicinal properties of the Babul tree (Acacia Arabica) are also well known. This natural ingredient strengthens the roots of teeth and cleans and maintains the whiteness of teeth.

Ginger and Lemon

Ginger is an excellent astringent wash for the teeth while lemon is an effective whitener.

Cloves

As described earlier, cloves and clove oil are a well-known home remedy for toothaches and gum disorders. They are an excellent pain reliever and are often used by dentists to numb the gums prior to administering a shot. Clove oil is also useful in relieving sore throats and is a powerful breath freshener.

Magnesium

Magnesium is instrumental in forming the kind of hard enamel that resists decay and not calcium. Hard enamel is essential to offset decay-producing acids. Calcium and phosphorus on their own cannot do the job and dental structures beneath the surface can even dissolve when additional amounts of calcium and phosphorus diffuse through the enamel at different rates. Thus milk, poor in magnesium, but high in the other two elements, not only interferes with magnesium metabolism, but also antagonizes the mineral responsible for decay prevention

There is a widespread belief that osteoporosis and tooth corrosion in western countries can be prevented with a high calcium intake. However, Asian and African populations with low intakes of calcium daily (about 300 mg.) have very little osteoporosis. With a low magnesium intake, calcium moves out of the bones to increase tissue levels, while a high magnesium intake causes calcium to move from the tissues into the bones. Thus high magnesium levels leads to bone mineralization.

Clay and Bicarbonate

Clay is also an excellent ingredient for cleaning the teeth and maintaining optimum oral hygiene. It can be used just like toothpaste and there are several types of bentonite clay powder available in health food stores which are marketed as toothpastes. You can sprinkle the dry clay powder on your toothbrush and brush your teeth as normal. For extreme oral problems, you can cover the gums with a pre-made thick clay paste, which will absorb poisons from deep within the oral tissues. The clay also provides healing sustenance to the entire gastrointestinal tract. For further information on our recommended source of clay, please visit our page on Therapeutic and Cosmetic Clays.

Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda is also helpful for overall pH control. Its alkaline properties neutralize the acidic environment in your mouth. It also helps in removing tough stains and plaque that are embedded deep in tooth surface crevices by dissolving into these areas. Its efficacy in doing so can be increased by combining it with a little table or Himalayan salt which acts as a safe and gentle abrasive.

A COMPLETE SOLUTION FOR CLEANING TEETH AND OPTIMIZING ORAL HYGIENE

We have been using a natural dental product for years and have found it to be far superior to other commercially available toothpastes. In essence, it is a pure soap that cleans your teeth perfectly and doesn’t contain harmful additives like fluoride, glycerin, dyes, or artificial sweeteners and flavors. It also helps your teeth to remineralize (yes, your teeth CAN remineralize as you will find out!) and it removes oils and other contaminants from the teeth and cleans gum tissue thoroughly. Apart from tooth soap, available in the form of liquid and shreds, the product range includes tooth powders containing sodium bicarbonate, magnesium, whole calcium and Himalayan salt – the same ingredients mentioned above which we have shown to be good for the teeth and overall dental care.

To learn more about this product, which helps to maintain perfect oral health, please visit our page at:

Natural and Safe Dental Products.

Key Reference Sources

• Breyer, Melissa. What Your Teeth and Gums Say About Your Health (http://www.care2.com/greenliving/what-your-teeth-gums-say-about-your-health.html)
• Michaud, Dominique S., Kaumudi Joshipura, Edward Giovannucci, and Charles S. Fuchs. “A Prospective Study of Periodontal Disease and Pancreatic Cancer in US Male Health Professionals.” In J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 2007 (Vol. 99, No. 2): 171-175
• O’Caomhanach, Tomas. Bad Breath Report.
• Rodale, J.I., and Harald J. Taub. Magnesium, The Nutrient That Can Change Your Life. (http://www.mgwater.com/rod10.shtml)
• http://www.professorshouse.com/family/health/baking-soda-whiten-teeth.aspx
• http://www.learningherbs.com/toothache_remedy.html
• http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/clean/teeth.html

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is only intended to educate and inform our readers. It is in no way intended to provide medical advice or to diagnose or treat any disease. If you have a health problem, you should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any substances for medicinal purposes.